Detroit Lions fans create their own dance team

This season, there will be cheerleaders at Ford Field for Lions games — just not on the field.

The Detroit Pride Cheerleaders, an independent professional cheerleading group not affiliated with the Lions, will perform before games at the Elwood Grill. The group also will perform during games — in the seats they purchased — but plan to be very conspicuous.

“We want to grab the attention of the Lions,” said Pride co-director Andrea Wilamowski. “We’re a completely professional organization and we’re answering the call of the fans (for cheerleaders).”

Wilamowski said they also will appear at charity functions, conventions and other events.

“We’re concentrating on doing everything professionally and the right way,” Wilamowski said. “Hopefully the Lions will see that we’re a professional, conservative group and they’ll invite us to perform on the field.”

Lisa Gilmore, a former member of the Pistons’ Automotion dance team, will be the choreographer. Tryouts will be Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at L.A. Fitness in Royal Oak. The group hopes to field 12 cheerleaders, as well as alternates, to form its team.

For more information on tryouts, send an e-mail to detroitpridecheerleaders@gmail.com.